Terms of References

“Replicaneurs”

Replicate successful business models from similar market contexts.

Pilot country: Somalia/Somaliland

Partners: Oxfam Somalia

Phase: 2 – Matchmaking

1. Introduction and full scope.

In some markets there are gaps and societal challenges that are not yet been to be resolved by existing businesses or business models. For example, innovative irrigation in drought-challenged landscapes or waste collection and processing in urban areas. In such cases, it can be an opportunity to find existing businesses or business models from abroad and introduce them to these markets. This is what the replicaneurs module is meant to do:

1. Sector selection and gap analysis: The process starts with the analysis of the market and society to identify sectors or product ranges where new innovations could lead to social and environmental impact. Such analysis is done by a team of market experts, national and possibly also international. The identification is that the solution is possible to be implemented and offered through a business model (not through NGO or government intervention). This phase’s final deliverable is a gap analysis of the societal issues that are possibly be covered by a new, innovative business model. In addition, to identify the opportunity, a sector choice and possible value chain analysis will be done.
2. Matchmaking: Based on the gap analysis, an investigation is set out to find businesses across the globe but from similar social and environmental contexts that could fill the gaps. The business models should be easy to replicate; for example, they could already use franchising or other scaling/expansion models that can be leveraged. The existing businesses operating (and owning) the business models are approached to gauge their interest in replication and for further collaboration. This process should end with a co-creation process led by the entrepreneur/enterprise.
3. Partnership building: The business concepts are tendered to local businesses with existing operations, who can apply to start the innovation in their company. Careful selection of the local business/entrepreneur will take place, scrutinizing their motivation and business capabilities as key to success.
4. Support: They will receive support (BDS and perhaps capital) when they are selected.

Phase 2: Matchmaking.

Oxfam Somalia and Somaliland has finalized the gap analysis and priority sector identification phase for the replicaneur initiative. Phase one explored different sectors that society has challenges in, such as energy, agriculture (food security), waste management, drought, rainwater management, education, and health sectors. The gap analysis has used both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis to map out key societal problems that local entrepreneurs can address through a social enterprise approach. Following the publication of the report, Oxfam teams and consultants held extensive discussions about moving forward to phase two and chose the top three priority sectors that can be further supported. The sectors chosen are clean energy, waste management, and smart agriculture.

Based on the gap analysis, phase two of the replicaneur initiative will investigate and will find out businesses across the globe that reflect similar social and environmental contexts and address similar social challenges in three selected sectors. As a result, 4 local companies and 4 international companies operating in the selected three sectors will be identified, paired, and connected (matched) to share common business models, interests, complementary services, expertise, technologies, or business strengths through matchmaking events, technical support, franchising, or business model replication. The business models should be easy to replicate; for example, they could already use franchise or other scaling/expansion models that can be leveraged. The existing businesses that are operating (and owning) the business models are approached to gauge their interest in replication and for further collaboration. This process should end with a co-creation and matchmaking process led by consultants and the entrepreneur/enterprise owners.

1. Expected Deliverables.

The final deliverables for phase two are;

• Exploration, matchmaking, and connecting four local and four international companies operating in three pre-identified sectors to ensure connectivity, knowledge sharing, and replication/franchising of business models.
• Ensure that the replicated business models are sustainable and contextualized and identify scaling opportunities to deepen their social and environmental solutions locally.
• The consultants will organize and host at least 3 matchmaking events or meetups, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs to network and exchange experiences. Matchmaking can be group or each two business at a time.
• The consultants will facilitate with the franchising and business model replication processes, as well as technical support and mentorship during the transition to the new business model.
• The consultant will produce a comprehensive report highlighting the success, challenges, learnings generated and future recommendations.

1. Scope of the assignment.

The duration of this assignment is three months. The assignment is meant to be done from October to December 2022. The expectation is that a team of 2–3 consultants will work extensively on this for 12 weeks to ensure the expected deliverables are met.